I first traveled to Paris during summer break in college when I was invited to visit a friend in London for several weeks. I studied French the previous semester, and I was eager to travel to Paris to practice my new language skills! I planned a quick three day solo trip to experience the city first hand. If you haven’t experienced Paris yet, you must find a way to visit. I guarantee you’ll fall in love.
Love is often associated with Paris, and for good reason. It is a romantic city, and has clearly earned its nickname, “The City of Love” for countless reasons. But love is more than a feeling shared between two people. You can love animals, foods, beverages, and in this case places. It is important to remember, that love is not easily defined, but it most accurately describes my feelings toward Paris. I might be perpetually single in the traditional sense, but I am fortunate enough to experience the feeling of love in many other areas of my life, especially when I travel.
Paris is also an expensive city, like most major european cities. As college students do, I managed to make this dream vacation affordable and fell in love with the city. And I have a few tips to share with any first timers or veteran travelers looking to rekindle their love affair with Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris: Hotel Amour, 3 Star
Where else would you stay but a hotel that translates to Hotel Love?
When I was searching for last minute affordable accommodations in Paris, I wasn’t having much luck. I stumbled upon this cute boutique hotel where I snagged a single room for under $100/night. Current prices are only $120/night for a double room.
Aside from the adorable name, this hotel is in a very convenient location, only a short walk from St. Georges train station. It has bright colorful decor and a terrace cafe. You don’t go to Paris to sit around your hotel room, I picked mine for the convenience of getting around this charming city!
What to See in Paris:
I only had three days on my first trip to Paris, and I had a lot to see. Aside from major tourist attractions, I was committed to experiencing the local food and wine. I made sure to have plenty of time to experience several different french cafes and enjoy their food and beverage selections each day.
The Louvre
I.M. Pei’s iconic pyramid which now serves as the entrance to the Louvre.
Most people would recognize the iconic glass pyramid set in front of the palatial museum known as the Louvre. What they might not know is that inverse pyramid can be found underground, functioning as a skylight in the museum’s gift shop! Ok, maybe everyone knew this except for me! Nevertheless, it was a fun surprise.
Can’t believe it was 10 years ago when I first experienced Paris!
Once you finish gazing at the amazing classical and futuristic modern architecture on the outside, don’t miss the masterpieces inside. In case you aren’t familiar, the Louvre houses these famous pieces:
- Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci
- Raft of the Medusa, Theodore Gericault
- The Dying Slave, Michelangelo
This museum is massive, and we all have different art preferences, so take a little time before your arrival to figure out what else might interest you. Islamic art, Flemish painters. There are no shortage of things to see, but if I had to bet, you might be a little short on time, so have a plan in place.
Affordable Tip! The museum is free for children under 18, EU citizens under 25, the first Sunday of every month from October to March and Bastille Day (July 14th)! Check the official list of qualifications for free entry here, to see if you qualify!
The Eiffel Tower
Paris’ other iconic landmark, and the most visited paid tourist site in the world.
This historic landmark built in 1889, faced many of the same criticisms as the Louvre Pyramid. Like the pyramid it is an iconic spot closely associated with the city of Paris, and is now the most popular paid monument in the world. At 81 stories tall, it is the tallest structure in Paris, and was the tallest man made building in the world until the Chrysler building was built in NYC.
The view from the top, worth the climb!
Affordable Tip! While the experience of going to the top is amazing, there are several other ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. Grab a picnic blanket, some croissants, a bottle of red wine, and a good book and lounge about on the lawn, and just take in the beauty of the city.
Palace of Versailles
I love castles and gardens, so even though Versailles was a bit of a trek from the city, I knew I couldn’t leave Paris without seeing this famous palace. I took the train and planned to spend the day touring the palace, wandering the gardens, and enjoying a tea in the cute cottage coffee shop.
Affordable Tip! Check the website to see if you qualify for any reduced tickets. Even getting to the site requires an additional train ticket, so it was by far my priciest excursion. I still recommend letting this be your splurge for your Parisian experience.
What to Eat & Drink in Paris:
- Quiche
- Chocolate Croissants
- Red Wine
If nothing else, be sure to indulge in at least one of these three things daily in Paris. It’s ok. There’s no counting calories, and if you walk the gardens, wander the louvre, and climb the steps at the Eiffel Tower, it will all balance out! Just make sure you do it in an open air cafe and make the most of people watching in the city of Love.
What to Read: Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Having recently read the Da Vinci Code, I also snuck in a quick Da Vinci Code tour. If you haven’t yet, read the Da Vinci Code or download the movie for your flight! It’s a captivating story to get you excited about your adventures in Paris. It’s perfect for those long trans-Atlantic flights.
And the good news, if you do happen to fall in love with Paris, like so many before you, you can now easily return thanks to XL Airways France and its ever expanding direct routes from the US. This post was brought to you by XL Airways France.
Thanks for sharing the affordable tips, its incredible, few little things and you can enjoy the city for less.
It’s easy to spend so much while traveling without even thinking. It takes a lot more time to plane and be thrifty!
Love your affordable tips. So often all these guides are all so expensive but you have given everyone such great advice to save money. More money for cheese and wine!!
This is a great guide and I really like the affordable tips you have included throughout. I love Paris and really hope people are returning after the terror attacks in November.
It’s funny because I never think of Paris as being affordable, but that price you got on the Hotel Amour is fabulous! Add to that how convenient it was for wandering, and that’s really unbeatable. It may just be time for me to add Paris into my 2016 plans — it’s been ages since I was last there, and your tips and photos are making me rethink!
I actually looked for a hostel when I first went. But maybe hostel world didn’t exist or was too new? The few I found were fully booked, but this was a GREAT alternative. I probably spent all of my “savings” on the food and wine!
I love castles and gardens too! I would definitely check out the PALACE OF VERSAILLES. And I didn’t know about the underground inverse pyramid either 🙂 Now I just need a friend to stay with so I can save on accommodations.
Love the Versaille Palace – and even better when on a summer’s day for a picnic. Love also the book to read suggestion – why not also have a film to watch suggestion? My favourite is Amelie 🙂
I am more of a book worm than a movie person, but I am trying to include some fiction and non-fiction books about the destinations in which I write about. Adding a movie is a good idea, but will take a little more work on my part! I haven’t seen Amelie, but will look for it on entclix and amazon!
Awesome guide! I went to Paris a couple summers ago, and I miss the food. Indulging a little in the wine and food is necessary to really experience Paris. And seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night is seriously amazing.
I discovered XL Airways two years ago and I’m really happy that you included it as an affordable carrier on the list. They also offered really good french toast which I remember till this day.
I have never been to Paris! I would love to though….I have had chocolate croissants though and red wine…sometimes together. HAHA 🙂
When I wrote this post I was worried EVERYONE would have already been to Paris!!! I thought about trying to find some secret hidden gems to reveal, but Paris is the city of love because of its major icons and you really shouldn’t miss them on a first time trip!
Great post, Stephanie! I think the key to enjoying Paris affordably is not falling prey to the tourist traps – restaurants, souvenirs, paraphernalia, pricey tours. Much better to venture down an alleyway and pick up a croissant from a local boulangerie than order one in a restaurant along the river, where prices will be jacked up like crazy!
Yes, I regret that I can’t provide any info about eateries, but I literally just walked around until I found a place that served my favorite french foods. Nothing fancy, but nothing chain! We did sit in one lovely restaurant outside the Musee D’Orsay.
Paris is indeed the city of love. The most romantic bit about my trip to Paris was the lit up Eiffel at night – its simply mesmerizing. I just stood there amazed by the glittering tower and wishing I had someone special to share it with (that time) – It was magical. Did you happen to pay a visit at night too? I had missed the Louvre and now that I know they have free days too, I can plan better next time. I didnt know that so thanks for that tip.
I did see it at night, but not from up close. It was also kind of cool how it stayed light so late. I was young (maybe 19?) and a newish traveler. It was a pleasant surprise for me to have so much daylight!!!
It’s been many years since I visited Paris, but it really is a special city. Anywhere that encourages you to eat bread, cheese and chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner is sure to be a hit with me!
Right?!?! Parisians do it right, and they stay so thin!
Totally loved the tips!
Even though Paris is an expensive city, I have always found easy how to go around, doing amazing things without spending that much!
Great post!
Great tips – Paris is certainly one of the more expensive city and this is a great guide!
Thanks! I’m glad it’s helpful. I know it is simple, but if you only have a day, these are must see attractions in my opinion!
i have not been back to Paris since 1998, my first time. I will in 2018, a 20 year anni for me and first time trip for my parents. i hope to revisit these places and more. nice pics 🙂
I haven’t been to Paris in ages but your pictures reminded me how much I loved the city! We stayed at a hostel (I can’t remember the name now) that was located close to the subway station just like you did. It is such a convenience as you do so much walking around to explore the city that it is a bonus to be able to get a ride to the hotel for a few euros instead of walking all the way.
This brings me back to my short visit to Paris with my wife many years ago. Such a beautiful place with incredible culture and food! We had very similar itineraries!
I love Paris! When I visited, I wished that I could stay, I would never get tired of the sights and the food!
I’ve never been to Europe yet. I wish I could visit soon though. But if ever I do visit in the future, I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks for the tips!
I hope you make it soon. It is really fabulous! So many great things to see and do!
This is a good all-round guide for first time visitors to Paris. It is so sweet how much you adore the city. It is great when we fall in love with a destination!